Reduced speeds near some Okotoks schools will begin starting tomorrow, Aug. 31.

In Okotoks, school and playground zones are not amalgamated, which means speed limits near local schools have been 50 km/h for the summer.

Kelly Stienwand, Municipal Enforcement Manager for the Town of Okotoks, says school zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on school days only.

"That's sometimes a little unclear for people who may not know the exact school schedule, so it really is essentially up to the motorists to ensure they are familiar with days when school is in session."

Christ the Redeemer Schools will be back in session starting Thursday Aug. 31, with Foothills School Division heading back to class on Tuesday Sept. 5.

Stienwand says although local start dates are staggered, motorists should always proceed with caution around schools.

Residents are also reminded school busses will also be out this week, if you see alternating flashing red lights on a school bus you must stop.

Failure to stop could result in a $543 fine and a loss of 6 demerit points, Stienwand stresses proceeding with caution around school busses.

"When kids are jumping out of school busses they can sometimes be unpredictable despite the encouragement they get from the bus driver to exit in a certain way, they'll sometimes run out in front of a school bus and in between parked cars."

Stienwand shares a bus driver, or citizen can report a license plate to RCMP or Municipal Enforcement if they observe dangerous driving, adding local authorities will follow up with any complaints they receive which could result in fines.

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